Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, this year took over the HSE's remit for providing the Women's Aid refuges in Dundalk with €414,248. The housing authority is also providing €61,087 to meet accommodation and tenancy costs. The council is responsible for care costs and the housing authority is responsible for homeless accommodation. Currently, the premises on which the Women's Aid Refuge is located are owned by the HSE. Women's Aid is seeking new premises. It has funds to help it relocate and, hopefully, buy new premises, as 293 requests for shelter had to be turned away last year. It was having problems meeting its day-to-day costs for heating, lighting and bedding.

Women's Aid in Dundalk provides a range of services to women and their children who are or have experienced violence. It works in the community and voluntary sectors and addresses issues of sexual violence, accommodation, homelessness, human rights and justice. As the Minister stated, domestic violence is not a thing of the past. Given the increase in drug and alcohol abuse, we cannot close our eyes. Women's Aid in Dundalk is short €30,000 to keep its doors open this year. The Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, does not want any Women's Aid refuge to close. The regional management group of the North East Homelessness Consultative Forum does not want the refuge in Dundalk to close. Tusla does not want it to close.

Hopefully, Dundalk Town Council and Louth County Council will meet the €30,000 shortfall, but the refuge needs greater clarity. It needs to know that the same problem will no recur. I am asking the Minister for help. Tusla will take over budget responsibility for Women's Aid in the near future, but it needs help and clarity now.